Maya Moore helps overturn inmate's conviction

Maya Moore's decision to fight for criminal justice reform instead of playing in the WNBA this season has paid off, with a judge ruling to overturn Missouri inmate Jonathan Irons' burglary and assault conviction on Monday.

The Minnesota Lynx forward announced in February she would sit out and devote herself to helping overturn Irons' conviction. Irons, who's African-American, has served 22 years of a 50-year sentence after an all-white jury found him guilty at the age of 16.

"This day has been a long time coming," Moore said, according to ESPN's Katie Barnes. "We are just so grateful and thankful to God and to everybody who has played a role in bringing justice."

Moore, who's from Jefferson City, Missouri, met Irons in 2017 while visiting a correctional center in her hometown.

Irons' lawyers cited a lack of evidence - including DNA, witnesses, and footprints or fingerprints - in their defense of the now 39-year-old man.

Following the hearing, Moore called Irons to tell him, "You're coming home!"

A four-time WNBA champion and former league MVP, Moore has averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 31.2 minutes per game during her career.